Re-elect Senator
The first Asian-American elected to state office from Upstate New York.
Fighting for affordable housing, lower taxes, and working families in District 56.
Donate NowAdopted by a single mom from an orphanage in Kolkata, India, Jeremy made history as the first Asian-American elected to state office from Upstate New York — and the first RCSD graduate in the State Senate in decades.
Raised in Rochester's South Wedge neighborhood, Jeremy attended School of the Arts as a vocal music major and got his first job as a page at the Highland Branch Library. He earned his B.A. with honors from Hobart & William Smith Colleges — where he served as student body president — and his J.D. from Albany Law School, where he was also class president.
He worked for the YMCA, served on the Rochester school board, and served as chief of staff to the mayor of Rochester before entering the legislature. Early in his career, he worked for Congresswoman Louise Slaughter, whose constituent-service ethic shaped his entire career.
Since taking office, Jeremy secured tax cuts for middle-class New Yorkers, delivered record investments for schools, and authored the New York CHIPS Act — creating an economic development program that brought Micron and other semiconductor companies, and thousands of jobs, to Upstate New York.
Jeremy is married to Dr. Diane Lu, a surgeon with the University of Rochester Medical Center. Together they reside in the City of Rochester.
Secured $162M in accelerated middle-class tax cuts and championed expanded child tax credits — up to $1,000 per child — to break the cycle of poverty.
Capped insulin costs, lowered prescription drug prices, and authored legislation to expand New York's Essential Plan so more families can afford the care they need.
Voted for the New York State Equal Rights Amendment — guaranteeing a woman's right to choose in the State Constitution. A proud "Gun Sense Candidate" since 2018.
Built on Prevention, Policy, and Punishment. Authored the Homicide Witness Protection Act and the Car Theft Prevention Act. Earned the support of local law enforcement.
As Transportation Committee Chair, fighting for 125+ mph service connecting NYC to Toronto through Rochester. Secured $500K for a Thruway corridor feasibility study.
Leads the Senate's Regenerate Cities initiative — driving workforce development, modern infrastructure, and downtown revitalization across all of Upstate New York.
Champion for SUNY and public higher education. Advocating for increased investment in campuses, faculty, and student loan payoff incentives to keep talent in Upstate.
Authored the NY CHIPS Act bringing Micron and semiconductor jobs to Upstate. Introduced the Remote Worker Grant Program offering up to $5,000 for relocation to upstate communities.
Parts of the City of Rochester and the Towns of Brighton, Gates, Greece, and Henrietta. Together, we move forward.
"We are choosing to be here. We're not chasing something else. We want to be in this community — not only for its history, but for our belief in its future."— Jeremy Cooney
Every dollar keeps Jeremy fighting for affordable housing, lower taxes, and working families in District 56. Paid for by Cooney for New York 2026.
Donate NowJeremy has earned the support of community organizations, labor unions, and civic leaders across District 56 — because he shows up and follows through.
Media inquiries, ideas, or need help? Jeremy's team wants to hear from you.
info@jeremycooney.com